Ogbono, also known as African Bush Mango, is a tree species native to Africa. It is called by many other names, including bush mango, wild mango, and odika, and its scientific name is Irvingia gabonensis.
This plant is versatile, with its fruits, nuts, seeds, and bark all having various uses, including cooking, manufacturing, cosmetics, and medicine.
In Nigeria, ogbono seeds are often dried and used to make ogbono soup, a popular dish. The fruits of the ogbono tree can also be eaten fresh. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value and health benefits of ogbono (Irvingia gabonensis).
Ogbono Nutritional Value
Ogbono is known for its high-fat, high-protein seeds, which are rich in vitamins and important nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, and vitamins B and C.
The seeds also contain various fatty acids, including myristic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. All of these nutrients make ogbono a valuable source of nourishment and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Ogbono (Irvingia gabonensis)
The following are some surprising ogbono health benefits.
1. Aids Weight loss
Ogbono seeds have weight loss properties, making them a good option for those trying to shed pounds without breaking the bank. In some countries, ogbono is even sold in capsule or powder form as a weight loss remedy.
There are several ways in which ogbono can help with weight loss, including its ability to block the enzyme “amylase,” which is responsible for absorbing sugar in the body. By blocking this enzyme, your body will absorb less sugar, which can help prevent weight gain.
2. Improve insulin sensitivity
In addition to its weight loss benefits, ogbono has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering properties. It may also help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
3. Prevents Constipation
Ogbono has a lot of dietary fiber, and it has been shown more than once to help digestion and prevent constipation and other digestive problems. It helps add bulk to the stool and improves the way the bowels work to prevent constipation and other digestive issues.
Ogbono is also good for your digestive system. One study showed that African mango extracts stopped rats from getting ulcers by making their stomachs make more mucus.
4. Treatment of Infections
It was thought that bush mango extracts could stop microorganisms from growing and that ogbono seeds could be used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. However, there have been no studies to prove that these treatments function.
5. Lowers Serum Cholesterol
In addition to a reduction in body mass, the participants’ LDL cholesterol levels were found to have decreased by 27% after a period of 10 weeks in the study that was conducted in 2008. Another study found that levels of “good” HDL cholesterol increased by 46% while levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol dropped by 45%.
In addition, research has demonstrated that eating bush mangoes can bring about a reduction in both total cholesterol and triglycerides.
6. Aiding Digestion
Ogbono contains a large level of dietary fiber, which has been shown to be useful in preventing several digestive illnesses and improving digestion. One of these problems is constipation, which can be avoided by eating ogbono. It helps to add bulk to the stool and improve the functioning of the bowels, which in turn helps to prevent constipation and other digestion-related issues from occurring.
Additionally beneficial for gut health is ogbono. According to the findings of one study, the consumption of African mango extracts prevented the development of ulcers in rats by promoting the synthesis of more mucus in the stomach.
7. Promotes Libido
Ogbono includes a component known as “tryptophan,” which aids in the enhancement of the production of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which is related with the stimulation of good mood, libido, concentration, and the quality of sleep.
Consuming this fruit can help reduce anxiety, tension, depression, and other things that may affect your overall mood, which simply implies that doing so can be a useful tool in managing these conditions.
8. Act as Pain Relief
Ogbono is loaded with powerful analgesic characteristics that, when applied to specific kinds of pain, can assist provide relief. In fact, the bark of the ogbono tree is utilized as a pain reliever in various nations.
According to a number of studies, the water extract of this plant can assist in alleviating the discomfort brought on by both heat and pressure.
Conclusion
Ogbono is a nutrient-rich plant that has been linked to a number of health benefits, including improved immune system function, reduced risk of diabetes and obesity, improved digestion, and increased concentration.
If you’re looking to improve your overall health and well-being, consider adding ogbono to your diet. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
